PRP Specialist

Capital City Orthopaedics

Orthopedic Surgery Practice located in Austin, TX

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, including osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic surgeons Michael Burris, MD, and Omar Akhtar, MD, offer nonsurgical treatments, such as PRP therapy, at Capital City Orthopaedics in Austin, Texas. To learn how PRP can help you, call or book an appointment online today.

PRP Q & A

What is PRP?

You may be familiar with platelets due to their important role in helping your blood clot. These small, solid components of your blood also contain hundreds of growth factors, or proteins that help your body heal damaged tissues.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a solution made from your own blood. This solution contains about 5-10 times more platelets — and therefore more healing growth factors — than typical blood.

How does PRP work?

During PRP therapy, Dr. Burris or Dr. Akhtar takes a small amount of blood, usually from your arm. They process the blood in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP. Then, they re-inject the PRP into the site of your pain or injury. The PRP stimulates your body to generate healthy new cells to replace the damaged or diseased ones.

Because PRP comes from your own body, this type of therapy involves minimal risks or side effects. Dr. Burris and Dr. Akhtar may combine PRP with a local anesthetic to relieve pain immediately after the injection.

What conditions can PRP treat?

Dr. Burris or Dr. Akhtar may recommend PRP therapy to relieve pain and accelerate healing in damaged joints and tendons. Studies show that PRP may be an effective treatment for several orthopedic problems, including:

Osteoarthritis

Plantar fasciitis

Tennis elbow

Achilles tendonosis

Dr. Burris and Dr. Akhtar stay up to date on the most recent advances in orthopedic medicine, including research on new applications for PRP. Current research suggests this therapy is most effective at treating chronic tendon injuries.

What should I expect from PRP therapy?

First, Dr. Burris or Dr. Akhtar performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history to make sure you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy. Then, they draw a vial of your blood and process it to obtain PRP.

PRP therapy involves little risk of complications, but you may experience tenderness in the injection site for a week or two. After that, you should notice gradual reduction of pain and inflammation over the course of several weeks.

To learn more about PRP, call Capital City Orthopaedics or book an appointment online today.